Not to be contrary, but I’ve been thinking about opposites, more opposites, and a few differences.
There is something so funny and childlike to the notion that everything has an opposite.
And then there’s the fact that when you fill a book with said opposites, it’s really about connections.
How beautifully twisted is that??
In writing this lovely little book, Richard Wilbur went from being "an esteemed poet of humor and wisdom" to "an esteemed poet of humor and wisdom I’d really like to have dinner with."
Or rather, "… I’d really like to have numerous dinners with."
Seriously.
I want someone with this kind of whimsy in the bunker with me if it comes to that.
Run out and get this little morsel if you don’t already have it.
And in the meantime, a taste or two:
#22
A spell is something you are under
When put to sleep, or filled with wonder
The opposite of spell, I guess,
Is normal waking consciousness,
In which you’re not enthralled or sleepy,
And things are only fairly creepy.
#8
What is the opposite of riot?
It’s lots of people keeping quiet.
#19
Because what’s present doesn’t last,
The opposite of it is past.
Or if you choose to look ahead,
Future’s the opposite instead.
Or look around to see what’s here,
And absent things will not appear.
There’s one more opposite of present
That’s really almost too unpleasant:
It is when someone takes away
Something with which you like to play.